Remap a core MacOS Directory (Downloads)?

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Level 1

126 points

Remap a core MacOS Directory (Downloads)?

I want to remap the Downloads folder to an SSD - specifically the Apple installed SSD that was part of a fusion drive which I replaced with a full SSD. Normally I would create an alias and delete the old directory but I can't to this with Downloads as its "“Downloads” can’t be modified or deleted because it’s required by macOS."

I guess I need to use terminal or single user mode - any advice how to do this? Here is a screenshot for reference (want to map "Downloads" to "Downloads SSD":

iMac 27″, macOS 11.2

Posted on Apr 16, 2021 2:29 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

BobHarris

Level 9

53,531 points

Apr 16, 2021 12:33 PM in response to solomani

Why not tell your browser to use a download directory?

If Safari is not your web browser, most web browses have this preference.

If you really want to mess with the $HOME/Downloads folder, you could use the xattr command to remove the com.apple.macl attribute. That will most likely let you mess rename or delete the existing Downloads folder, and replace it with a Unix Symbolic Link that points to your SSD Downloads folder.

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

240,275 points

Apr 16, 2021 6:27 PM in response to solomani

In Finder you can drag whatever folder to the sidebar.

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

240,275 points

Apr 16, 2021 6:58 AM in response to solomani

Not sure, but might need to Disable SIP to do it.

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

240,275 points

Apr 16, 2021 1:09 PM in response to BobHarris

Slaps forehead! 👍

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Answer 5

solomani Author

Level 1

126 points

Apr 16, 2021 6:25 PM in response to BobHarris

Yep, did that. Just wondered if there was a way to fully redirect since the OS will still default to the original downloads folder - for example, in the finder taskbar.

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